English Premiership Football News

[SteveH]

Man Utd's Park to miss Olympics 
 
Park has 70 caps for South Korea
Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung has been ruled out of South Korea's Olympic squad because of injury.

The 27-year-old midfielder was in the frame for selection as one of the squad's three over 23-year-olds.

But Park, who missed Saturday's World Cup qualifying win in Turkmenistan, is struggling with an injured left knee, having previously had surgery in 2007.

"Unfortunately, Park will not be selected for the Olympics," coach Park Sung-Hwa confirmed.

"After discussing the matter with the Korean Football Association, we made the decision considering the fact that Park isn't fit and he will be in competition at his club.

"Manchester United's pre-season training starts on July 7 and it would be difficult for the player to come back and combine well with the team."

The South Korea boss also denied that West Brom midfielder Do-Heon Kim, who scored a hat-trick for the senior team in Turkmenistan, could come in as a replacement.

"Kim is in a similar position," he added. "He will be playing in the Premier League for the first time with his club."
 

[SteveH]

Portsmouth outline stadium plan 

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said the new stadium was "perfection"


Portsmouth are set to leave Fratton Park and move to a new 36,000-capacity stadium overlooking Portsmouth harbour.

If the FA Cup holders receive the necessary planning consent, work will start on the new ground next year.

The new stadium, designed by the firm responsible for Beijing's Olympic Stadium, will be on an ex-landfill site by the M275 and M27 motorway junction.

"We only have one word to describe this stadium - perfection," said Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie.

"The club will be playing a big part in the regeneration of the city and our fans will have the very best in terms of facilities and amenities, as well as an excellent viewing experience.  606
Is the move long overdue?
 

"Portsmouth Football Club has moved into a new era with the backing of owner Alexandre Gaydamak and these are very exciting times for the club, both on and off the field."

The development would include an indoor exhibition centre/arena with a 10,000 capacity, a new diving training facility for the Royal Navy and a residential, retail and leisure complex.

The scheme is being designed by Swiss-based architects Herzog & de Meuron.

In addition to the Olympic Stadium, commonly known as the "Bird's Nest", they also designed the Allianz Arena football stadium in Munich. 
The stadium will sit right in the waterfront by Portsmouth harbour

Portsmouth have been based at Fratton Park since 1898 but have outgrown the ground's 20,200 capacity.

Sellar Property Group, which is handling the development, plans to redevelop the 17-acre Fratton Park site for a mix of low-rise residential and retail usage.

David Williams, chief executive of Portsmouth City Council, said there were still some issues to be resolved before the plan could be given the green light, including access to the new site and the impact of the new retail developments.

But he added: "I think the plans for the new stadium and arena are very exciting, and the stadium in that location would look stunning.

"Whilst it will be for the planning committee to determine the application, the city council will continue to do its utmost to help the club produce a workable and acceptable scheme to achieve a fitting new stadium for the FA Cup holders."
 

[SteveH]

Ince set to become Blackburn boss 
 
Ince led MK Dons to the League Two title last season
Paul Ince is set to be named as the new manager of Blackburn Rovers, according to BBC Radio 5 Live.

The MK Dons boss is Rovers' number one target following Mark Hughes' departure, despite Sam Allardyce being interviewed for the role.

Former England manager Steve McClaren and ex-Getafe boss Michael Laudrup have also been linked with Ewood Park.

Rovers chairman John Williams insists the club have not yet made an offer to anyone for the post.

"We are now down to a small short-list," Williams told BBC Radio Lancashire. "I am delighted with how the process is going and we hope to make a decision by the weekend.

"We have steadily gone about our business in the proper manner but we have not yet made an offer to anyone at this stage."

BBC Radio 5 Live reporter Juliette Ferrington said: "The former England captain has always been a target of Blackburn and the MK Dons are expecting the situation to be resolved in the next few days.

"That would tie in with the bookies who, in the last 24 hours, have made Ince firm favourite to succeed Hughes.

Six candidates have been interviewed to succeed Hughes, who left Rovers for Manchester City on 5 June, with Ince, McClaren, ex-Denmark international Laudrup, and former Bolton and Newcastle manager Allardyce regarded as the leading candidates.

McClaren has been out of work since he was sacked by England in November after they failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and he told Radio 5 Live on 7 June that he would be interested in the Blackburn job.

Laudrup is reported in the Danish media to have been interviewed for the role.

Ince has had an impressive season with MK Dons after moving from Macclesfield in June last year.

The 40-year-old former West Ham, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Liverpool midfielder led MK Dons to the League Two title as well as the Football League Trophy in his first season with the club.

His achievements attracted the interest of Leicester City, who made an official approach to the MK Dons for Ince's services earlier this month.

Blackburn would need special dispensation to appoint Ince as he does not yet have the Uefa Pro Licence coaching qualification.

Uefa and Premier League rules require anyone wishing to manage in the top flight to hold the Uefa Pro Licence, which requires 240 hours of study and usually takes a year to gain.

The Premier League could block his appointment, although Gareth Southgate got the green light to manage Middlesbrough two years ago without being licensed.

And League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan insists he will not lobby against Ince's appointment.
 

[SteveH]

AC Milan make Adebayor approach 
 
AC Milan say they will sign Adebyaor or they will sign no-one
AC Milan have revealed they have made Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor their sole transfer target and are trying to negotiate a deal with the London club.

Milan have also been linked with Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

But AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani told L'Equipe: "If Adebayor doesn't come then nobody will come.

"We are in negotiations but Arsenal are unwilling to sell at the moment. We'll see how far we can get with our offer."

The Rossoneri are showing interest in a host of attacking players following the departure of Alberto Gilardino to Fiorentina and a serious injury to Ronaldo.

And Galliani said at the beginning of June that Drogba, Berbatov, Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o and Stuttgart's Mario Gomez were all on Milan's wish-list along with Adebayor.

But now the Milan vice president has claimed the club will put all their efforts into convincing Arsenal to part with their 24-year-old Togo forward.

"One single player interests us and that is Emmanuel Adebayor," he added.

Arsenal are reluctant to sell their star forward, who last season found the net 30 times in 48 outings, and Adebayor has repeatedly committed his future to Arsenal.

Another sticking point for Milan could be the fact they have failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.

But Galliani was adamant the Italian club will continue to chase Adebayor until they are convinced they can do no more to persuade Arsenal to sell.

Should Adebayor be tempted to move to the Serie A club he will be reunited with French midfielder Matthieu Flamini who left Arsenal for AC Milan in May.
 

[SteveH]

Mourinho courts Lampard & Drogba 
 
Mourinho says he is after two or three new players at Inter Milan
New Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he would love to work with Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba again.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has made it clear he would like to be reunited with the pair he previously managed.

"I cannot forget Deco, Lampard and Drogba. These are players who I could never say no to," said Mourinho.

"I would love to work with them again in the future, but I am not too obsessed with this idea."

He added: "I don't know which of these three will leave their clubs but we will see."

Blues midfielder Lampard and striker Drogba have been linked with moves to the Serie A champions in the past.

But previously Mourinho has said any transfer dealings between the two clubs would depend on "if Chelsea wants to sell".

Mourinho has signed a three-year deal with Inter and the 45-year-old succeeds Roberto Mancini, who was sacked after leading the club to a third consecutive Serie A title last season.

 I have arrived to a special club and I believe I am a great coach but I don't want to be special

Jose Mourinho

England midfielder Lampard, 29, who has 12 months remaining on his current Chelsea contract, prospered under Mourinho while Drogba, 30, has made no secret of his desire to work with his old boss again.

"I want to start a cycle with the same team from last year, plus one, or two, maximum three new players," added Mourinho.

 

[SteveH]

Kean linked to Chelsea coach role 
 
Kean spent time in Portugal with Coimbra and speaks Portuguese
Coventry City assistant manager Steve Kean has been linked with a coaching role at Luiz Felipe Scolari's Chelsea.

Kean spent six years as a player with Coimbra in Portugal, where he learned to speak Portuguese.

"There was contact made by someone on behalf of Mr Scolari, and I let our chairman and Chris Coleman know straight away," Kean told BBC Scotland.

"But the chairman has stated that I have a contract and I'm happy with the my project I'm working on at Coventry."


Kean had an unsuccessful spell at Celtic in the 1980s then picked up coaching jobs at Reading and Fulham, following a six-year spell as a player in Portugal.

Sky Blues' boss Chris Coleman appointed Kean as his number two in February, and he helped the West Midlands side avoid the drop from the Championship.

Chelsea are set to open talks with Coventry on a potential offer for Kean's services, but he told BBC Scotland he was eager to avoid troublesome contractual issues.

"It probably makes sense, because I can speak Portuguese, but I don't want to say to much without getting anyone into trouble," added Kean.

Scolari, 59, was announced as Chelsea manager in the aftermath of Portugal's qualification for the quarter-finals of Euro 2008, but speaks only a little English.

However, his coaching pedigree speaks for itself. He won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and led Portugal to the final of Euro 2004, and has also won nine domestic trophies in Brazil.

His reputation led him to be considered for the England manager's job in 2006 but he was reportedly put off the role because of fears of media intrusion.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had both a Portuguese speaking assistant manager - Baltemar Brito - and an English speaking one in Steve Clarke.

 

[SteveH]

Real waiting for Ronaldo signal 
 
Ronaldo is currently concentrating on Portugal's Euro 2008 bid
Real Madrid have confirmed they are waiting for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to reveal his intentions over where his future lies.

The Premier League champions want to keep the Portugal captain, whose contract at Old Trafford runs to 2012.

But the 23-year-old will not decide on his future until after Euro 2008.

"As soon as he says he wants to play for Real Madrid, there will be conversations," Madrid official Miguel Angel Arroyo told newspaper Marca.

Arroyo, who is Madrid's director general of the presidency, continued: "We would willingly reach an agreement with Manchester United if it is possible, if they want to sell and if the price was affordable."  606: DEBATE
What do you think of the Ronaldo saga?

Madrid coach Bernd Schuster added on Cope radio station: "We are left hanging on a little because of what is happening in the European Championships.

"At the moment, there is a lot of speculation, but that is normal."

Ronaldo insists he will not talk about where his future lies until Portugal's involvement in Euro 2008 is over.

Portugal face Germany in the tournament's first quarter-final on Thursday.

Manchester United have already reported Real Madrid to world governing body Fifa over their public courtship of Ronaldo, although the organisation decided to take no formal action.

 

[SteveH]

Ronaldo staying put, say Man Utd  
 
Ronaldo scored 42 goals for Man Utd last season
Manchester United have repeated their stance that Cristiano Ronaldo is "not for sale".

The Portugal winger has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid but a statement on United's website says: "We are not listening to offers."

Ronaldo, 23, says he will reveal his future in the next few days.

Speaking after Portugal's exit from Euro 2008, Ronaldo said: "In two or three days' time I will announce my future because my tournament is over."

Ronaldo added: "I will speak to United. I will try to reach an agreement and we will see."

Ronaldo failed to inspire Portugal on Thursday as they slumped to a 3-2 defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
 
The midfielder was in scintillating form throughout the domestic season and scored 42 goals as United claimed a Premier League and Champions League double.

When asked if he has made a decision regarding a move to Real Madrid, he replied: "No, not yet."

Manchester United have already reported Real Madrid to world governing body Fifa over their public courtship of Ronaldo, although the organisation decided to take no formal action.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has revealed he will undergo surgery on a foot injury which has been bothering him for three months.

"I'm going to have an operation now," said the winger.

"I have had a small problem for about three months. I'll have the operation and then have a good recovery period."

Ronaldo's possible transfer fee has been put at between £50m and £80m - with the Premier League set for a busy summer if the Portuguese moves to the Bernabeu.
 

[SteveH]

Portsmouth land Reading's Little 
 
Glen Little made just two appearances last season
Portsmouth have signed winger Glen Little from Championship side Reading on a one-year deal.

Little is Pompey's first signing of the close season and turned down the offer of a new contract at the Madejski Stadium in favour of Fratton Park.

The 32-year-old made only two appearances after an Achilles injury last season.

He spent four seasons at Reading after joining on a free transfer from Burnley in 2004.

Little had previously spent time on loan with the Royals in 2003, and then had a spell at Bolton.
 

[SteveH]

Blues slated over Scolari timing 
 
Scolari led Brazil to glory at the 2002 World Cup
The Portuguese Football Federation has hit out at Chelsea for announcing the capture of Luiz Felipe Scolari during their Euro 2008 campaign.

Scolari's five-year reign as Portugal boss ended in a quarter-final defeat by Germany on Thursday.

FPF chief Gilberto Madail is unhappy Chelsea revealed his appointment just four days into the tournament.

"I wish Chelsea would have consulted us before so that we could have chosen a better time," said the FPF president.

Portugal had high hopes of going all the way at Euro 2008, having reached the final in 2004 and the World Cup semi-finals in 2006.

But after an impressive start to their campaign they were far from their best as they were eliminated by the Germans in Basel.

Madail addressed the media on Friday and admitted he thought the Scolari announcement had had a destabilising effect on the squad.

"It wasn't the best moment for us for Chelsea to announce Scolari's appointment," said Madail.

"I know Scolari had nothing to do with it and I was surprised, not by the appointment - because Scolari is a great coach - but at the timing chosen.

"I knew when we entered the tournament that Scolari would leave. We respected his wishes. His cycle with Portugal had ended because he wanted a new experience with a club.   

"There was nothing we could do. It was a financial issue and we couldn't match Chelsea's offer."

Portugal have the difficult task of finding a replacement for Scolari as they turn their attentions to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Madail added: "Whether some like it or not, Scolari left a mark in Portuguese football. He is a spectacular coach who made a huge impact and that will remain in the history of Portugal. But life continues.

"The new coach will have to speak Portuguese but not necessarily be Portuguese.

"He has to have ambition and be a winner. He has to be someone who the players respect."

Portugal have also had to deal with the distraction of Cristiano Ronaldo's club situation, with the winger at the centre of persistent rumours throughout the tournament that he will be leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid.

"I don't know what is going on in Ronaldo's mind and I don't think that contract problems would affect a player," said Madail.

 

[SteveH]

Arsenal secure signing of Nasri 
 
Nasri only appeared as a substitute in Euro 2008 for France
Arsenal have signed French midfielder Samir Nasri from Marseille, according to the player's website.

The 20-year-old has signed a four-year deal for a reported £15.8m, although Arsenal have yet to confirm the move.

Nasri made just two outings as a substitute at Euro 2008 as France were eliminated at the group stages.

He has spent the last four seasons with Marseille and came to prominence in France's Under-17 European Championship side in 2004.

Nasri, who has been dubed the new Zinedine Zidane, joined Marseille as a nine-year-old and made his league debut during the 2004-2005 season.
 

Nasri can play on either wing and won the French first division's young player of the year crown and was voted Marseille's player of the year by fans at the end of the 2006/2007 campaign.

Last season he scored six goals in 30 games for the French outfit with the final strike in his tally coming in the 4-3 win over Strasbourg that helped secure Marseille's berth in this season's Champions League.

Nasri had appeared at various youth international levels for France before winning the first of seven senior caps in 2007.

The BBC's football correspondent Jonathan Legard said: "He could be a replacement for Alexander Hleb whose future remains the subject of speculation."
 

[SteveH]

Zidane tips Ronaldo for Real move 
By Phil Gordos
BBC Sport in Vienna 



 
Zidane expects Ronaldo to break his world transfer fee record
France legend Zinedine Zidane believes Real Madrid will end up signing Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Spanish giants have made no secret of their desire to sign the 23-year-old Portuguese winger, despite United's insistence they will not sell.

"Every time Madrid want good players they get them," said former Real star Zidane, in Vienna for Euro 2008.

"He's had a great season, and he's a Champions League winner, and if he wants to play there, then he can."

Zidane cost £45.8m when he moved from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001.

That fee remains a world record for a player, but the Frenchman, 36 on Monday, thinks Real Madrid could possibly have to spend more than that to land Ronaldo.

And he said he would be happy to no longer be the world's most expensive footballer.

"If he goes to Madrid, it will be a big amount, but Madrid is ready to pay far more than they paid for me," said Zidane.

"This will actually lift a weight from my shoulders. Hopefully they will pay more for Ronaldo than they did for me."

Zidane, who retired from international football after the 2006 World Cup, said that he had been impressed with Russia's Andrei Arshavin during Euro 2008 so far.

"When you see their number 10 it is great," Zidane said.

"What he does at this stage is more difficult than a World Cup because it's the first big tournament he has played in.

"I was very happy to see that type of football played. He has great feet."

Zidane, who was in Vienna with manufacturers Adidas for a coaching clinic for children, confirmed that he wants to return to football but stressed that he had no imminent plans to do so.
 

[SteveH]

Tottenham complete Giovani deal 
 
Giovani is renowned for his dribbling skills and eye for goal
Tottenham have completed the signing of Mexico international Giovani Dos Santos from Barcelona for an initial £4.7m.

That fee could rise to £8.6m depending on appearances and Giovani, 19, who has signed a five-year deal, said: "It's a dream to come to a big club like Spurs.

"I came here because of the passion of the fans, the size of the club and I can see us growing in the future."

Manager Juande Ramos added: "If Giovani progresses as we hope, he will be a terrific player. I'm delighted."

Barcelona have retained the right to 20% of any fee should the 19-year-old move on from Spurs in the first two years of his spell with the club, and they will get 10% of any fee if he is sold later in his contract.

But Ramos envisages the 19-year-old settling at White Hart Lane, saying: "This is a young player with a lot of potential, whom I have watched for some time.

 Giovani possesses a great combination of physical power and explosivity, along with fine technical skills

Damien Comolli on Giovani
"For us it is an exciting signing because he has excellent quality, he operates well in different positions and, above all, is technically excellent."

Sporting Director Damien Comolli added: "Giovani possesses a great combination of physical power and explosivity, along with fine technical skills. He is someone who can create and score goals.

"He is young but not without experience and will be a great asset for the club. The fact we have a Spanish speaking coaching staff, as well as Gilberto, will help him adapt, settle quickly and I believe he has the skills to be successful in England."

Giovani joined Barcelona in 2002 and came through the youth ranks at the Nou Camp.

He broke into the first-team under former boss Frank Rijkaard last season and made 16 starts in all competitions and came on as a substitute 22 times in the campaign.
 
He also scored a hat-trick in the final league game of the season as Barca beat Murcia 5-3.

The winger, who can also play up front or behind a main striker, helped Mexico to win the World under-17 championship in Peru in 2005.

He is regarded as a promising talent but appears to have been allowed to leave by the Nou Camp outfit as they also have youngsters Lionel Messi and Bojan Krkic in their ranks.

South American football reporter Tim Vickery told BBC Sport: "He is the son of Brazil international Zizinho, but he plays for Mexico - and masterminded the 3-0 win over Brazil in the final of the 2005 World Under-17 Cup.

"He is a slight figure with a terrific burst of acceleration and he has a superb left foot."
 

[SteveH]

Arshavin set for England or Spain 
 
Arshavin is believed to favour a move to Spain
Zenit St Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat is resigned to losing Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin to a top English or Spanish club after Euro 2008.

Arshavin, 27, has starred in Russia's run to the semi-finals and informed Advocaat beforehand he wanted a move.

"I can understand that he wants to play in Europe," Advocaat told BBC 5 Live.

"I think he has some clubs in his mind, some in England and others in Spain, because they are the only two countries he would like to play in."

Arshavin helped Zenit win the Uefa Cup last season and, after being suspended for Russia's opening two games at Euro 2008, has returned to mesmerising effect.

 He needs the freedom to do what he thinks is best for the team

Dick Advocaat
He helped them beat Sweden to reach the quarter-finals and then inspired a surprise 3-1 extra-time victory over the Netherlands.

Arsenal and Chelsea have already been linked with Russia's maestro but he would apparently favour a move to Spain and Advocaat believes he would succeed wherever he decided to go.

"We had a meeting and he said at his age this is the time to move on," Advocaat said.
 
"If you lose one of your main players you don't like it as a coach but you have to be realistic.

"It is difficult to say which league would suit him best. We play more or less 4-3-3 and our wide players have a lot of freedom.

"I'm not sure other coaches will give him the freedom but you have to otherwise it's difficult to use him. He needs the freedom to do what he thinks is best for the team.

"I have worked with him for two years and he is a very talented player.

"He's just turned 27, he's very quick, he has an excellent shot on both legs and besides scoring he can also provide for other players."
 

[SteveH]

Queiroz urges Ronaldo to stay put 
 
Ronaldo (left) and Queiroz have formed a close bond
Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has urged his countryman Cristiano Ronaldo not to sign for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Portuguese winger, 23, hopes to play for Real but has yet to inform United, who insist he is not for sale.

"Manchester United know how to surround Cristiano with all the affection and attention he deserves," said Queiroz.

Queiroz, a former manager of Real, is said to have become an influential figure in Ronaldo's life.

And the 55-year-old has been linked to the job of Portugal head coach following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari to Chelsea.

 I don't mind if people get upset. It is my decision

Cristiano Ronaldo
Real president Ramon Calderon said on Monday they will only open talks with Ronaldo "once his club accept to sell him".

"Right now he's a United player - we'll not interfere or create any problem," Calderon added.

Ronaldo said after Portugal's exit from Euro 2008 that he needed an operation on a nagging foot injury, but a decision on surgery will also now be delayed until his return from a three-week holiday.

United have always insisted they would not listen to any offers for the Portugal winger, but Ronaldo's heart seems set on a move to La Liga.

The European champions reported Real to Fifa over their public courtship of the player, although the world governing body decided to take no formal action.

Ronaldo's possible transfer fee has been put at between £50m and £80m and Real coach Bernd Schuster has urged Calderon to "pay what is necessary" to bring him to the Bernabeu.

"What is most important is to win the Champions League and he can help us achieve that," Schuster said.

After Portugal's exit from Euro 2008, Ronaldo signalled his intention to "take advantage of a great opportunity" by joining the Spanish champions.

"Everybody knows what I want but things don't only depend on me," he said. "I am not the person who decides but I hope to complete my dream."



Highlights: Portugal v Germany at Euro 2008
Ronaldo said he had made the decision to leave United for Real before the Champions League final and revealed former Portugal coach Scolari advised him to make the move.

"It's a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it," Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo has insisted he is not worried about upsetting United manager Ferguson by his desire to move to Madrid.

"It is my opinion," added Ronaldo. "That is why I don't mind if people get upset. It is my decision. It is what I want."

The midfielder was in scintillating form throughout last season, scoring 42 goals as United clinched a Premier League and Champions League double.
 

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